These findings are presented in a meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA).
Researchers examined over 150 scientific papers and found that within the first month after recovering from influenza, the risk of heart attack increases fourfold, while the risk of stroke increases fivefold. Additionally, after COVID-19, the increased likelihood of cardiovascular complications may persist for up to one year.
Chronic viral infections, such as HIV and hepatitis C, can also raise the risk of heart attack and stroke by 20-60%. The authors of the study point out that inflammatory processes and an increased tendency for thrombosis that occur after infections weaken the condition of blood vessels and the heart. In this regard, researchers emphasize the importance of vaccination against viruses as one of the possible preventive measures for cardiovascular diseases.
